Solutions for Improving Focus and Getting Things Done
By Genevieve Cunningham
The struggle of staying focused is so very real. While it’s already a difficult request, the numerous distractions around us make it that much harder. Need to work? Well yes, but let’s just check Facebook first. Does your child need attention? Of course, but there’s a second to check Twitter first. We make these excuses all day long, and as a result, we’re more distracted and irritated than ever before. But how do we break the habit? How do we go from constantly switching gears to paying attention and getting things done? If you’re ready to regain your focus, take a look at these simple solutions.
Change Your Working Environment
Maybe your working environment is just too distracting. Try closing the door, turning off the cell phone, and avoiding social media. Make the space quiet and clean in order to promote more focused work. Sometimes, a quick change in the space in which we work can make all the difference. Whatever your guilty pleasure, eliminate from your workspace and you’ll be halfway there.
Break It Up a Little
It’s nice to think that we can work for eight hours straight without stopping, but it’s not at all realistic. Our brains aren’t wired to work that way. Instead of even attempting this feat, schedule breaks into the day. But here’s the catch … these breaks should require you to get up and move away from your working space. Go to the company lounge, grab a snack, or take a quick walk around the office. Your brain needs something else to think about, and your body needs the movement. Once the break is over, return to your workspace and continue working.
Turn It Off at the Day’s End
It might seem like you’ll get more done if you take work home with you, but you probably won’t. Actually, you’ll probably do more procrastinating and your focus will be torn in even more directions. When the day is done, leave it alone and focus on something else. Your family, a hobby, a favorite sport. If the project is at home, put it away when you’re finished, and don’t return until the next day. Our brains all need this complete break from the task at hand, and when you finally return, you’ll have more focus to restart it again.
Don’t worry if your focus is not where it should be. Very few people are impressed with their own ability to concentrate. But do incorporate things to make improvements in this area. The better your focus, the more you can accomplish, and the more successful and productive you’ll feel every day.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
